Staying connected when the time comes for residential care
FORMER Coonamble resident Frank Wooding has had his fair share of hardships, most recently living in a nursing home during a pandemic.
Welcomed into the Orana Gardens Lodge six months ago, Frank says the home is an extremely good facility, although he admits to missing the freedom of independent living. But the move to Orana Gardens came through necessity. Six months ago, he was playing golf and had trouble hitting the ball. Frank told Dubbo Photo News he learned he has an eyesight problem with a large possibility of going blind by Christmas.
“I need to go to the hospital once a month for eye testing,” he shared.
He asked his daughter to enrol him in residential care.
“It is very difficult for me because I am losing my capability to do things myself,” pointing out that as Covid restrictions increased, he needed someone to go with him if he had to go outside the facility.
“I know I’d be no better if I was at home, here I get a lot of help from the nurses when I need it.”
Frank says there is a pool where he often does laps which helps his knees, and he walks for 30 minutes each day.
Frank is the father of five daughters, and he says they take turns visiting him to have lunch.
He's a firm advocate that it's vital to stay connected to other people as much as you can.
"It is very difficult during this time as there are a lot of restrictions, but it is important to stay in contact and make sure people are safe.”
Orana Gardens Lodge has multiple activities to keep residents entertained including card games and reading activities, and Frank says he enjoys having breakfast with his friends.